List The Books Of The Old Testament

The Old Testament is the first section of the Christian Bible, based primarily upon the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), and it serves as foundational scripture for both Judaism and Christianity. It comprises a collection of ancient religious writings by the Israelites believed by many Christians and religious Jews to be the inspired Word of God. This compilation includes a wide array of literary genres: historical accounts, laws, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom literature. These texts narrate the history of the Hebrew people, articulate their laws and moral codes, express their struggles and triumphs, and foretell future events through the words of prophets.

Here's a detailed list of the books of the Old Testament, traditionally divided into several sections: the Pentateuch (or Torah), the Historical Books, the Wisdom Literature, and the Prophetic Books.

The Pentateuch (Torah)

The Pentateuch, also known as the Torah (meaning "law" or "instruction"), consists of the first five books of the Old Testament. These books are traditionally attributed to Moses and are of central importance in both Judaism and Christianity. They lay the foundation for the religious and moral teachings of the Abrahamic faiths.

1. Genesis: Genesis (meaning "origin" or "beginning") narrates the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the origins of the Hebrew people through the stories of figures like Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Key events include the creation of the universe, the flood, the Tower of Babel, and God's covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and the land of Canaan.
2. Exodus: Exodus (meaning "departure") tells the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their liberation by God under the leadership of Moses, and their journey through the wilderness. Central events include the plagues visited upon Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, and the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel.
3. Leviticus: Leviticus (named after the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel) contains detailed laws and regulations pertaining to worship, sacrifices, rituals, and moral conduct. It outlines the duties of the priests, the proper procedures for offering sacrifices, and the rules for maintaining purity and holiness within the community.
4. Numbers: Numbers recounts the census of the Israelite tribes and their wanderings in the wilderness for forty years as a result of their lack of faith in God's promise to give them the land of Canaan. It describes their trials, rebellions, and God's continued provision and guidance. Key episodes include the sending of spies into Canaan, the rebellion of Korah, and the bronze serpent that heals those bitten by venomous snakes.
5. Deuteronomy: Deuteronomy (meaning "second law") consists of Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It reiterates and expounds upon the laws given earlier, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commandments. It includes the Shema ("Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one"), a central declaration of faith in Judaism.

The Historical Books

The Historical Books narrate the history of the Israelites from their conquest of Canaan to their exile in Babylon. These books provide a historical and cultural context for understanding the rest of the Old Testament, detailing the rise and fall of the Israelite kingdoms, their interactions with neighboring nations, and the consequences of their obedience or disobedience to God.

1. Joshua: Joshua describes the Israelites' conquest of the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, Moses' successor. It recounts their military campaigns, the division of the land among the tribes, and Joshua's exhortation to the people to remain faithful to God.
2. Judges: Judges recounts the period after Joshua's death when Israel was led by a series of judges—charismatic military leaders who delivered the Israelites from their oppressors. The book portrays a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that repeats throughout the period. Notable judges include Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
3. Ruth: Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who shows unwavering loyalty to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. Ruth's story is a testament to loyalty, love, and redemption, and she becomes an ancestor of King David, highlighting God's inclusive love.
4. 1 Samuel: 1 Samuel narrates the transition from the rule of judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. It tells the stories of Samuel, the last judge and prophet, and Saul, the first king of Israel. It recounts Saul's rise to power, his disobedience to God, and the emergence of David as a future king.
5. 2 Samuel: 2 Samuel continues the story of David, recounting his reign as king of Israel. It describes his military victories, his establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, and his sin with Bathsheba and its consequences.
6. 1 Kings: 1 Kings begins with the reign of Solomon, David's son, and his construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It recounts the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. It also narrates the stories of various kings of Israel and Judah, as well as the prophets Elijah and Elisha.
7. 2 Kings: 2 Kings continues the history of the divided kingdom, recounting the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, their idolatry, and their eventual destruction and exile. It describes the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians and the fall of the southern kingdom of Judah to the Babylonians.
8. 1 Chronicles: 1 Chronicles provides a genealogical history of Israel from Adam to David. It focuses on the reign of David and his preparations for the building of the Temple. It offers a theological interpretation of Israel's history, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to God.
9. 2 Chronicles: 2 Chronicles recounts the history of Judah from Solomon to the Babylonian exile, focusing on the kings of Judah and their relationship with God. It emphasizes the importance of the Temple in Jerusalem and the consequences of idolatry and disobedience.
10. Ezra: Ezra tells the story of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra, a priest and scribe. It recounts the rebuilding of the Temple and the restoration of the Law.
11. Nehemiah: Nehemiah narrates the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah, a Jewish official in the Persian court. It describes the challenges faced by the builders and the reforms implemented by Nehemiah to restore the social and religious life of the community.
12. Esther: Esther tells the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from a plot to annihilate them. It is a story of courage, faith, and God's providence.

Wisdom Literature

The Wisdom Literature consists of books that offer reflections on the nature of wisdom, justice, suffering, and the meaning of life. These books provide practical guidance for living a righteous and fulfilling life, exploring themes of morality, ethics, and the relationship between humanity and God.

1. Job: Job explores the problem of suffering and the justice of God in the face of human pain. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who experiences great suffering, and his struggle to understand why God allows such things to happen. The book presents different perspectives on suffering and ultimately affirms the sovereignty and wisdom of God.
2. Psalms: Psalms is a collection of 150 poems, hymns, and prayers that express a wide range of emotions, from joy and praise to sorrow and lament. They are attributed to various authors, including David, Asaph, and the sons of Korah. The Psalms cover a variety of themes, including praise of God, thanksgiving, repentance, trust in God, and the messianic hope.
3. Proverbs: Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and practical advice for living a righteous and successful life. It covers a wide range of topics, including wisdom, folly, justice, honesty, diligence, and the fear of the Lord.
4. Ecclesiastes: Ecclesiastes explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness. It questions the value of worldly pursuits and concludes that true fulfillment is found in fearing God and keeping his commandments.
5. Song of Solomon: Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs) is a collection of love poems that celebrate the beauty and passion of romantic love between a man and a woman. It is often interpreted as an allegory of God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the Church.

The Prophetic Books

The Prophetic Books consist of the writings of the prophets, who were messengers of God called to speak his word to the people of Israel and Judah. These books contain warnings, rebukes, and promises, calling the people to repentance and faith. The Prophetic Books are divided into Major Prophets and Minor Prophets based on the length of the books, not the importance of their message.

Major Prophets

1. Isaiah: Isaiah contains prophecies of judgment and salvation for Israel and the nations. It foretells the coming of the Messiah, who will bring justice and peace to the earth.
2. Jeremiah: Jeremiah contains prophecies of judgment against Judah for its idolatry and social injustice. It also speaks of a new covenant that God will make with his people.
3. Lamentations: Lamentations is a collection of poems that lament the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile.
4. Ezekiel: Ezekiel contains prophecies of judgment and restoration for Israel. It includes visions of God's glory, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the Temple.
5. Daniel: Daniel tells the story of Daniel, a Jewish exile who rises to prominence in the Babylonian court. It contains prophecies about the rise and fall of empires and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Minor Prophets

1. Hosea: Hosea uses the metaphor of his marriage to an unfaithful wife to illustrate God's love for Israel, despite their idolatry and rebellion.
2. Joel: Joel calls the people of Judah to repentance in response to a plague of locusts. It also prophesies about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people.
3. Amos: Amos condemns the social injustice and religious hypocrisy of the northern kingdom of Israel.
4. Obadiah: Obadiah prophesies about the destruction of Edom, a nation that had rejoiced in Judah's downfall.
5. Jonah: Jonah tells the story of Jonah, who is sent by God to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh. It is a story of God's compassion for all people, even those who are enemies of Israel.
6. Micah: Micah condemns the social injustice and corruption of the leaders of Judah. It also prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, who will be born in Bethlehem.
7. Nahum: Nahum prophesies about the destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, as a judgment for its wickedness.
8. Habakkuk: Habakkuk questions God's justice in allowing the wicked to prosper. God responds by assuring Habakkuk that he will ultimately judge all nations.
9. Zephaniah: Zephaniah prophesies about the day of the Lord, a day of judgment that will come upon all the earth.
10. Haggai: Haggai encourages the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem after their return from exile.
11. Zechariah: Zechariah contains visions and prophecies about the rebuilding of the Temple and the coming of the Messiah.
12. Malachi: Malachi rebukes the Jewish people for their religious apathy and calls them to repentance. It also prophesies about the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord.

Differences between Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Old Testaments

While the books listed above are common to all Old Testaments, there are some differences between the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox versions:

• Deuterocanonical Books: The Catholic and Orthodox Old Testaments include additional books and passages that are not found in the Protestant Old Testament. These books are known as the Deuterocanonical Books (meaning "second canon") in Catholicism and are often referred to as Anagignoskomena in Orthodox traditions. They include:

  • Tobit
  • Judith
  • Additions to Esther (Vulgate Esther 10:4-16:24)
  • Wisdom of Solomon
  • Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
  • Baruch, including the Letter of Jeremiah (Additions to Baruch)
  • Additions to Daniel:
    • The Prayer of Azariah and Song of the Three Holy Children (Vulgate Daniel 3:24-90)
    • Susanna (Vulgate Daniel 13)
    • Bel and the Dragon (Vulgate Daniel 14)
  • 1 Maccabees
  • 2 Maccabees

• Canon Formation: The differences in the Old Testament canon stem from different traditions regarding which books were considered authoritative. The Protestant Reformers, in the 16th century, followed the Hebrew canon, which did not include the Deuterocanonical books. The Catholic Church, at the Council of Trent, reaffirmed the inclusion of the Deuterocanonical books in its canon. The Orthodox Churches generally follow the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament, which includes these books.

The Septuagint

The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible that was produced in Alexandria, Egypt, beginning in the 3rd century BCE. It includes not only translations of the books found in the Hebrew Bible but also additional books and passages that are not part of the Hebrew canon. The Septuagint was widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and Christians in the ancient world and is the basis for the Old Testament in the Orthodox Churches.

Conclusion

The Old Testament is a rich and diverse collection of writings that provides a foundation for understanding the history, faith, and moral values of the Jewish and Christian traditions. From the foundational narratives of the Pentateuch to the historical accounts, wisdom literature, and prophetic messages, the Old Testament offers profound insights into the relationship between God and humanity. While differences exist between the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox versions of the Old Testament, the core message of God's covenant with his people and his plan for salvation remains central to all.